Some 8,000 jobs are set to be created at East Midlands Airport over the next five years.

Airport officials say their plans will double the number of people working in and around the Castle Donington-based cargo hub in roles from freight handling to retail, hospitality, logistics, airport security and as car park assistants.

Today Work and Pensions Secretary of State Esther McVey visited a training academy at the airport and spoke of its potential to grow post-Brexit.

Some senior figures at the airport have previously expressed concerns that UK and European Union may fail to reach a final Brexit deal resulting in harm to the national and regional economy.

However Ms McVey pointed to the recent successes around the airport.

When asked if the planned airport jobs would be secure whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations she said: “Let's be honest, businesses have been planning for Brexit for two years.

Secretary of State, Esther McVey with Airport MD Karen Smart and Neil Robinson, group Director for CSR on her visit to East Midlands Airport (Image: Alistair Langham - The Studio 17)

"We had Project Fear and the scare stories.

“We were told 500,000 jobs would be lost after the referendum. It hasn't happened.

"We were told the economy would dip. it hasn't happened.

“East Midlands Airport is one of the places that has been doing really well.

“The amount cargo it handles up went almost 10 per cent up on last year.

“The value of non-EU goods handled at the airport are £9.935 billion a year.

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Local jobcentres, the college and the airport are also collaborating to deliver training courses to support local people into careers at the airport and surrounding area.

What does the airport's managing director say?

East Midlands Airport Managing Director Karen Smart said: “We have ambitious plans for this airport and, as we continue to grow, we need to ensure that local people benefit from new jobs that will be created both directly at the airport but also across the wider site.

“With complementary developments springing up all around, this area will be a regional employment hotspot. Working with partners in local government, the education sector and business, we have a responsibility to ensure that local people are sufficiently skilled to take advantage of these jobs.

"We’re also committed to improving access to the airport so that local people can get to and from these jobs easily.”